Historic Arms
Commissioned Work
By Inquiry OnlyHistoric arms at Viking Made Forge are forged as functional weapons informed by archaeological evidence, period scholarship, and hands-on material practice. These works explore early European blades and polearms through historically grounded forms, construction methods, and heat treatment strategies.
Rather than reproductions made for display, each piece represents a contemporary forging of historic intent—balancing structural integrity, material behavior, and use.
Scope of Work
Forms, proportions, and construction methods guided by archaeological examples and period scholarship
Seax & Long Knives
Single-edged blades from the migration and Viking periods, ranging from utility to fighting sizes
Swords
Single- and double-edged swords based on archaeological typologies and regional traditions
Axes
Bearded, utility, and weapon forms drawn from period examples
Spears
Spearheads and complete spears informed by archaeological finds
Pattern-Welded Blades
Historic pattern welding techniques applied to appropriate forms
Laminated Constructions
Period-appropriate laminated constructions for specific applications
Materials & Construction
Material selection is driven by historical appropriateness and functional intent.
Heat treatment is matched to blade geometry and intended use, balancing hardness, toughness, and resilience in keeping with historic practice.
Approach
Historic arms work begins with research. Each commission involves discussion of period, regional context, and intended use, followed by design decisions that respect both historical integrity and material reality.
Forged as Real Weapons
These pieces are forged as real weapons. While modern tooling may be used where appropriate, primary shaping, welding, and heat treatment are performed by hand using techniques consistent with historical practice.
Research-Informed Design
Original artifacts inform geometry, mass distribution, construction, and surface treatment, while allowances are made for safety, material availability, and long-term stability.
On Historical Accuracy
Historical accuracy is treated as a framework rather than a costume. These works are not inexpensive reproductions. They reflect the time, research, and material control required to produce functional weapons using historically grounded methods. Accuracy is pursued through restraint, proportion, and process—not superficial detail.
This approach preserves historical integrity without turning rare objects into templates, and it ensures each commissioned piece stands as a functional weapon rather than a replica.
Commissions
Historic arms commissions are accepted on a limited basis and subject to scheduling and scope. Because of the time, research, and material investment involved, these projects are quoted individually.
Timelines are extended, and availability is limited. Collectors interested in commissioning historic arms are encouraged to inquire with a clear sense of intent and context.
Looking for kitchen knives? Return to the main Collections page